Barbara Ann Grimes was born on July 27, 1949 in Accomac, Virginia to Mary Francis Blake-Turner and Charles Holly. Barbara graduated from Mary N. Smith High School in 1967. She was married to Loyal Thomas Grimes, Jr. 1968-1986.
Barbara Grimes was a woman of poise and perfect diction. She was confident in her speech and eloquent in her delivery. Her oratorical proficiency led her to serve as a mistress of ceremony at numerous public speaking engagements. Barbara was not only articulate in speech, she also had a melodic singing voice. She loved all genres of music ranging from Country to Rhythm and Blues. Her beautiful voice and articulation secured her a position as WESR’s radio announcer on the Eastern Shore during the early years of her career. During her residency on the Shore, Barbara was one of Virginia Landings’ top real estate agents. In addition to selling real estate, she employed her marketing skills to sell life insurance.
Barbara’s most notable trait was her love for children. She gave birth to one daughter and two sons. Her embodiment of strength built a soldier, her business acumen produced an entrepreneur, and her compassion cultivated a nurturer. Although she only conceived three, Barbara was a mother of many, to include: stepsons/daughters, grandchildren, daycare and neighborhood children. In 1972, Barbara and Loyal Thomas Grimes, Jr. opened one of the first childcare centers on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, in partnership with Barbara and Gregory Selby, called G and S Kiddie Kollege. Barbara was not just a daycare provider - she was an educator. She took pride in teaching children the fundamentals of learning at an early age. Barbara continued her occupation as a childcare provider when she moved to Richmond, VA in 2006. Barbara’s new neighbors in Richmond described her as a ‘beacon of light’ in the community.
Barbara’s shining light was dimmed on December 12, 2021, as she passed away peacefully in Onancock, Virginia. Preceding her in death was her mother, Mary Francis Blake-Turner; her father, Charles Holly; and her brothers, Rodney Turner, and Gerald Blake.
She is survived by her daughter, COL Tonya Rogers (Mike Rogers); her sons, Loyal Thomas Grimes, III (Erika Baez-Grimes) and Leshawn Grimes; her sister, Sylvia Milburn (Cecil Milburn); brother, Kelvin Blake; her cousin/sister, Patricia Blake; her aunt, Catherine Krouser; her nephews, Shawn Mears (Amy Mears) and Derek Milburn; niece, LaToya Ray; grandchildren, Enfinity, Loyal IV “Trey”, Laya, Enrique, Arshawn, Michelle, and Jared; and a host of stepsons, stepdaughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Respectfully submitted,
The Family